Trump Hails Victory of Right-Wing Candidate in Colombia
US President Donald Trump on June 22, 2026, congratulated Colombia's president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, following his narrow election victory. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, 'He won, big!' and attached a news article analyzing the win of the right-wing candidate he had endorsed.
Secretary Rubio Signals Close Cooperation Ahead
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also congratulated de la Espriella, indicating that the Trump administration is ready to work closely with the incoming government on key issues. In a post on X, Rubio stated, 'Just spoke to Colombian President-Elect @ABDELAESPRIELLA to congratulate him on his electoral victory. The Trump Administration looks forward to working closely with your incoming administration to advance regional security cooperation, end illegal immigration to the United States, and strengthen our economic ties. Colombia's best days are ahead.'
Narrow Victory and Ongoing Vote Review
According to The Washington Post, de la Espriella, a far-right lawyer and outspoken Trump supporter, secured at least 49.6 percent of the vote, edging out leftist candidate Ivan Cepeda by less than one percentage point. However, outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro has not formally recognized a winner and has called for a ballot review process to determine the final outcome.
Broader Trend of Right-Wing Gains in Latin America
If confirmed, de la Espriella's victory would extend a trend identified by The Washington Post of right-wing, pro-Trump candidates gaining power across Latin America. In Argentina, President Javier Milei, a populist Trump ally, expanded his congressional power last fall after Trump offered a USD 40 billion bailout conditioned on his party's win. In Honduras, a conservative mayor won the presidency after Trump endorsed him and threatened to cut aid if he lost. Trump-friendly right-leaning candidates have also defeated leftists in Costa Rica, Chile, Bolivia, and Ecuador.
De la Espriella's Hardline Security Agenda
De la Espriella has pledged a hardline security agenda, including building megaprisons for drug traffickers, bombing what he calls 'narco-terrorist camps,' and ending Petro's peace initiatives with guerrilla groups. His tough-on-crime platform draws comparisons to El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele.
Trump's Endorsement and Strained US-Colombia Relations
Trump had previously endorsed de la Espriella, calling him a 'Smart, Strong, and Tough Leader,' while describing his rival Cepeda as a 'Radical Left Marxist.' Trump said Colombia's future relationship with Washington would benefit from de la Espriella's leadership if the election result is upheld. The Washington Post noted that relations between Trump and Petro have been strained, with disagreements over US anti-drug operations in the region and allegations from Petro that Washington sought to influence Colombia's election.
